Reviews

“In his picturization of The Road to Yesterday, Cecil B. DeMille has displayed a phase of his ability which he has not shown in years. With no ostentatious display, with no undue stress on sex, he has created a soul-stirring, arresting drama of real people.”

Artist Comment

“Mr. DeMille asked in an offhand manner, ‘How would you like to do a script for me—I mean working directly with me ?’ I couldn’t very well tell him it was like being offered the Crown Jewels, but I couldn’t say yes quickly enough. When I found out the subject of his next picture I was surprised, for it was to be The Volga Boatman. Of course, we were all familiar with the Volga Boat song, but the idea of building a picture around it had never occurred to me.”

– Lenore Coffee, Storyline: Recollections of a Hollywood Screenwriter

Figures

The Volga Boatman cost $479,356.99 and grossed $1,275,374.78.(These figures have not been adjusted for inflation nor do they include the considerable profits realized from reissues, television syndication, and home entertainment formats.)